Summit Mount Kilimanjaro (This is an additional week added on for those interested in the climb prior to our standard trip to House of Blue Hope)

7/30: Depart for Tanzania (assuming a next day arrival)

7/31: Arrive in either Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro airport and stay overnight in Moshi

8/1: Begin climb

8/5: End climb and stay overnight in Moshi or Arusha

Visit House of Blue Hope and Experience Tanzania

8/5: Depart for Tanzania (if not on the climb portion of trip; assuming a next-day arrival)

8/6: Arrive in Dar es Salaam

8/7: House of Blue Hope Day event

8/8: At HBH with the boys in the morning/afternoon

8/9-8/10: 2-day/1-night safari at Mikumi Lodge

8/11: Take ferry to Zanzibar, tour and stay overnight in Stone Town

8/12: Spice tour and beaches; overnight on the beach

8/13: Return to Dar es Salaam and depart for US

(Itinerary is subject to change.)

What will it cost?
Trip without climb: $3000 for flights and all activities or $2000 for flight and staying at House of Blue Hope. Trip with all activities and Kilimanjaro climb: $4000. These prices are approximate.

What will each activity cost?
Flight – Normal prices border around $1600
Tanzanian Visa – $100
Safari – $400
Flight to Zanzibar – $140
Zanzibar Hotel + Food – $150
Dar es Salaam Hotel – $60
Dar es Salaam Food – $100
Vaccines and Malaria medication- varies (This expense depends entirely on which immunizations you already have had and what and your insurance covers. This expense could be anywhere from zero if you have had all needed vaccinations and/or your insurance covers the needed vaccinations and malaria medication, and it could be several hundred dollars if you need all of the vaccinations and your insurance does not cover any of the needs.)

Is it safe?
Tanzania as a country is quite safe, it has been devoid of many of the conflicts that have afflicted so much of the African continent. Since this trip will be guided by both Tanzanians and Americans that have lived in Tanzania, the large amount of local knowledge will ensure that no one is put in a vulnerable situation. They are certain areas of any city that are dangerous at certain times of night but we will be avoiding such sections entirely.

Pickpockets are the largest danger so please either buy luggage locks and only keep a small amount of cash in your pockets as there should be no need to bring cell phones or passports during the day.

What do I need to prepare?
*Shots – Contact your local doctor or travel clinic and ask for all the immunizations that are recommended to travel to Tanzania. Yellow fever vaccine is not mandatory for entrance to Tanzania as it is in other countries.

*Medications – Malaria is a disease passed on by a tiny portion of mosquitoes, some of which are present in Tanzania. The best tactic to combat malaria is medication, which will be prescribed by your doctor or if need be, bought in Tanzania. Malaria only kills children and the very old, many Tanzanians contract it many times in their lives with no adverse long term effects.
If you are climbing Kilimanjaro, you can also ask your doctor for altitude medication.

*Visa – The Visa will cost $100 and can be purchased upon arrival at the Dar es Salaam airport in a fifteen minute process.

*Clothes – If you are climbing, it is not necessary to bring all the climbing gear with you. Rentals will be available for boots, jackets, walking sticks, etc. Plan for warm weather but keep in mind that modesty is an important cultural concept. Women typically wear dresses down to the middle of their shins, pants are allowable as well. Swimming suits are recommended for Zanzibar and while shorts are not frequently seen in Tanzania, foreigners wearing shorts is rather normal. There is no need for formal attire, polo shirts, t-shirts and such clothes will suffice.

How hard is the climb?
While Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, it is not a difficult climb in many ways. There is no need for technical, highly vertical climbing. Men and women of all ages, some 65+ years old have succeeded in reaching the summitt. The true test is the final day, the summitt. Physical fitness often has less to do with success than a person’s determination or adaptation to altitude sickness.

Where will we stay?
Dar es Salaam – Mabibo Lodge, a safe and clean yet affordable hostel located close to the House of Blue Hope – 7 rooms with two people at a room
Safari – Picturesque safari lodging in the safari park
Zanzibar – Beachfront bungalows with a bar and restaurant on site

What will we eat? What are restaurants/food stands like? During traveling?
Eating will take place at a wide range of restaurants. If you have dietary restrictions, we will adapt to them. Plan on dining at some of the best restaurants in Tanzania and at a fraction of the price of an American meal.

How are we traveling around?
We will travel by SUV, bus and plane. SUV on safari. Bus to Kilimanjaro. Plane to Zanzibar.
Taxis and the Tanzanian minibus will be used as well around the city.

What can I bring to give to the HBH boys?
Please do not plan on bringing any gifts to the kids without consulting with House of Blue Hope first. We are using the trip as a fundraising and awareness raising activity. Our largest expense is paying for their school fees, etc. Extra books, school supplies, educational games, soaps, body lotions, clothes, or art supplies would be appreciated, but please consult with us first regarding what may be most appropriate.

How do I fund raise?
It’s simple! The House of Blue Hope can assist you with the template for an appeal letter to have your personal network support your cause. You can also set up your own fund raising page at www.razoo.com/story/House-Of-Blue-Hope-Foundation. Scroll down and click the “create your own fundraiser” button on the right and then follow the easy instructions to set up your page. Remember to send the link to your web page out and ask your friends, family, and coworkers to support you and House of Blue Hope. If you have any questions or need help, please email Billy at bbludgus@houseofbluehope.org.

I don’t know how to speak the language, what should I do?
An info sheet with common sayings will be included. Multiple people that speak Swahili will be with you at all times and Tanzanians will love to practice their English with you.